Thanksgiving 2013

Dear Ava,

Happy Thanksgiving!  While our Thanksgiving celebration here in Korea is drawing to a close (in fact, Daddy is busy trying to get you back to sleep right now), the holiday for our extended family in the US is just beginning.

The day started out with you wide awake for over 1.5 hours at 4 AM this morning. I love seeing and kissing your cute face but I also love sleep. Can you hold off on playtime for a few more hours in the future?

Late in the morning Daddy got all dressed up in his dress uniform (ASU) to go serve Thanksgiving dinner (or lunch) to the Soldiers in the dining facility. While he was gone you kept me well occupied by napping in my arms for 1.5 hours and then having a blowout diaper that required an entire outfit change. At least you gave me a reason to put you in your cute duck outfit.

We had a very low-key day after Daddy got back from serving dinner.  At church on Sunday we were invited to a Thanksgiving dinner that one of the families hosted, but your Daddy and I didn't feel up for going. In the late afternoon we all went for a short walk outside despite the below freezing temperature. It served a two-fold purpose in that it was a family activity and it also helped you get a much needed nap.

Though turkey is the traditional turkey for our Thanksgiving dinner, we (at Daddy's suggestion) opted for spicy lasagna along with cheesy potato casserole and Hawaiian sweet rolls.

When I asked your Daddy what he is thankful for from the past year he said the huge life-changing events that he never expected. I take that to mainly mean you. While last November 1st we could never have imagined all of the events and changes the next 12 months would bring, you coming into our lives is a huge joy and blessing to everyone. We love you!